Outside the UK and need a visa to complete my existing programme

You will need to apply for your next Tier 4 visa outside of the UK if you need more time to complete your current programme of study and cannot make your next visa application in the UK or it is more convenient for you to apply from outside of the UK.

It is a good idea to start checking which visa application to complete and what documents to prepare before you leave the UK. Although immigration rules, application forms and fees tend to change, our guidance will give you an idea of what you may need and allow you enough time to plan your visa application.

If you have any questions or need support completing your application please get in touch with us – we’re happy to help!

Generally, ATAS applications are processed within a month and are valid for six months. However, this process may take longer during the busy periods, and there is no premium/fast track processing option. It is therefore important to allow plenty of time to obtain the certificate since your CAS will not be generated until the ATAS clearance is received.

An ATAS application includes a statement outlining your area of research/study. This statement must be the same as agreed with your supervisor and held on file at the University of Hull. Please apply for your ATAS as soon as your current programme is extended.

Your CAS statement will be issued by the Visa Compliance Team and emailed to your University address. Your CAS will only be valid for a single visa application and is valid for 6 months.

Check your CAS statement is correct

Please check your CAS email as soon as you receive it from the Visa Compliance Team. Please ensure that all of the information on your CAS is correct, including personal, fees and course details. If you paid some or all of your tuition fees, and this information is incorrect or does not appear on your CAS, please contact the team as soon as possible and before you make your visa application.

Please note that any errors will normally be rectified by adding a note to your CAS record. This means that a new CAS will not be issued. Instead, you will receive an email confirming the corrections that have been made.

Your CAS statement will be issued by the Visa Compliance Team and emailed to your University address. Your CAS will only be valid for a single visa application and is valid for 6 months.

Check your CAS statement is correct

Please check your CAS email as soon as you receive it from the Visa Compliance Team. Please ensure that all of the information on your CAS is correct, including personal, fees and course details. If you paid some or all of your tuition fees, and this information is incorrect or does not appear on your CAS, please contact the team as soon as possible and before you make your visa application.

Please note that any errors will normally be rectified by adding a note to your CAS record. This means that a new CAS will not be issued. Instead, you will receive an email confirming the corrections that have been made.

It is important to take extra time and care to ensure that your supporting documents meet relevant visa requirements to avoid any delays and/or refusals. See our guidance on documents to provide in your visa application.

Tier 4 (General) (Sponsored) Student: if your studies in the UK will be funded by an official financial sponsor, which includes University of Hull or your home University scholarships/bursaries, the UK government, your home government (not including student loans), the British Council or any international organisation or international company that meets the UKVI sponsorship requirements.

Tier 4 (Scholarship) Student: only if you obtained a Chevening Scholarship/Fellowship, a British Marshall Scholarship, a Fulbright Scholarship or a Commonwealth Scholarship.

Ensure that all the information on your completed visa application form matches that on any supporting documents and explain any discrepancies.

If, as a result of your visa application, you will be staying in the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your Tier 4 visa application. You pay the surcharge as part of the visa online application process.

The amount payable depends on the length of your visa and not the length of your programme. IHS is £150 per year and is payable even if you have a private medical insurance.

You may be interviewed by the UK Visas and Immigration as part of your Tier 4 visa application or upon your arrival to the UK. The purpose of the interview is to check whether you are a genuine student and have an adequate level of English.

You may be asked questions about how and why you chose the University of Hull and your programme of study, how you are financing your studies, comment on your education or employment history, future plans, and other relevant topics.

The Home Office may telephone you or send you an email asking you to attend your interview. Please ensure that you check your emails on a regular basis (inbox and junk or spam folders). You could be interviewed in person, by Skype or by telephone.

It is important to answer all of the questions to the best of your knowledge as you may be refused a visa or entry to the UK if the Immigration Officer finds that you are not a genuine student or your English is not good enough. If this happens, please contact our Immigration Team (immigration@hull.ac.uk) with details of your interview as soon as possible.

If your visa application is successful and you will be staying in the UK for more than 6 months, UKVI will issue you a one month Entry Clearance (permission to enter the UK) in a form of a vignette (sticker in your passport) that will allow you enter the UK.

Your BRP card is a Biometric Residence Permit (visa) that confirms your right to be in the UK for the duration of your studies. When you receive your BRP card, please check it to ensure that all of the details are correct. If there are any errors, please contact the Immigration Team for further assistance.

Please also make sure that you comply with the conditions listed on your new BRP card.

Collecting your BRP from the University of Hull

If you entered the University of Hull ACL code (2HE437) on your visa application form, you will be able to collect your new BRP from the University when you return to the UK. You will need your passport, student card and a UKVI letter to enable you collect your BRP.

Collecting your BRP from the local Post Office

If you choose to collect your BRP from the local Post Office, your UKVI letter will have the address and the date your BRP will be available from. It is important that you collect your BRP on the date stated. You will need your passport, UKVI letter, your UK address and contact number to enable you to collect it.

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